Cangles™ - Fashionably Green

2012-02-09T19:15:00.003-05:00

Green your Valentine's Day

Sierra Club

On Valentine's Day, don't forget to extend your love to Mother Earth. This week's tips should help you do just that, even as you celebrate the biggest Hallmark holiday there is.

When you consider all that's needed to manufacture Valentine's Day cards — trees, water, bleach, dye, transportation, and shipping — and the fact that many of them ultimately end up in the landfill, making your own cards and envelopes and buying recycled (Papyrus and Hallmark have both made strides toward this) start to sound like pretty good ideas. Consider e-cards too: PaperlessPost.com and Pingg offer some great designs.

2012-02-06T00:46:00.004-05:00

Attaching pictures of our 3 Valentine offerings.

2012-02-03T01:18:00.001-05:00

When actions are taken to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, many things are accomplished:

    * Keeps goods and materials out of landfills
    * Advances green technology and source reduction processing
    * Results in less hazardous waste
    * Reduces the need for new landfills and incinerators
    * Generates new business and employment opportunities
    * Reduces the strain on valuable resources (forests, water, fuel) and safeguards wildlife habitats

New Look

2012-01-27T11:22:00.002-05:00

I am going to try a new outward look for the blog. I am a creature of habit and like things to stay the same!

The look we have now is (I think) only the second different look. Sooooo, let us see what I come up with and if I do actually change this up a little.

Ways Parents and Schools can GO GREEN

2012-01-23T10:27:00.000-05:00

Reuse old school supplies or purchase in bulk
Share used books
Use nontoxic products, inks and art supplies
Reduce paper use
Pack and carry lunch in reusable container; use drinks in a thermos
Carpool, walk or bike to school
Reuse textbooks
Borrow or rent decorations and supplies for parties, dances and proms
Start an environmental club
Institute recycle and composting programs
Host a recycle drive

Make shampoo without sodium laurel sulfate

2012-01-19T23:33:00.000-05:00

Sodium laurel sulfate, a cosmetic chemical, finds its way into commercially produced shampoos, soaps and other beauty products.When it comes to living a green lifestyle, you may want to eliminate the use of these kind of materials. Making your own shampoo without using sodium sulfate, or other harmful chemicals, provides you with a crafty endeavor that gives you control of your beauty and hygiene regimen.

Difficulty:: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1 cup vegetable glycerin
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. coconut oil
3 tbsp. polysorbate 20
2 cups floral hydrosol
2-qt. mixing bowl
Hand mixer
20-oz. bottle

- 1
  
  Add the vegetable glycerin, oils and polysorbate 20 to the bowl.
- 2
  
  Stir in the floral hydrosol, which is a scented herbal water. This ingredient, like the others in the recipe, can be obtained from a craft or hobby supply shop.
- 3
  
  Microwave the bowl on high for four minutes to heat the solution evenly.
- 4
  
  Beat the heated mixture with an electric hand mixer for five minutes. It will thicken into a gel-like substance as it cools.
- 5
  
  Pour the homemade shampoo into the bottle. Leave the cap off of it while it cools to room temperature.

Steps 10, 11, and 12 to going Green

2012-01-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

(10) Plant a garden

Whether you live in a studio loft or a suburban McMansion, growing your own vegetables is a simple way to bring fresh and nutritious food literally to your doorstep. Researchers at the FAO and the United Nations Development Programme estimate that 200 million city dwellers around the world are already growing and selling their own food, feeding some 800 million of their neighbors. Growing a garden doesn't have to take up a lot of space, and in light of high food prices and recent food safety scares, even a small plot can make a big impact on your diet and wallet.

What you can do:

Plant some lettuce in a window box. Lettuce seeds are cheap and easy to find, and when planted in full sun, one window box can provide enough to make several salads worth throughout a season.

(11) Compost

And what better way to fertilize your garden than using your own composted organic waste. You will not only reduce costs by buying less fertilizer, but you will also help to cut down on food and other organic waste.

What you can do:

If you are unsure about the right ways to compost, websites such as HowToCompost.org and organizations such as the U.S. Composting Council, provide easy steps to reuse your organic waste.

(12) Reduce your meat consumption

Livestock production accounts for about 18 percent of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for about 23 percent of all global water used in agriculture. Yet global meat production has experienced a 20 percent growth rate since 2000 to meet the per capita increase of meat consumption of about 42 kilograms.

What you can do:

You don't have to become a vegetarian or vegan, but by simply cutting down on the amount of meat you consume can go a long way. Consider substituting one meal day with a vegetarian option. And if you are unable to think of how to substitute your meat-heavy diet, websites such as Meatless Monday and Eating Well offer numerous vegetarian recipes that are healthy for you and the environment.

The most successful and lasting New Year's resolutions are those that are practiced regularly and have an important goal. Watching the ball drop in Times Square happens only once a year, but for more and more people across the world, the impacts of hunger, poverty, and climate change are felt every day. Thankfully, simple practices, such as recycling or riding a bike, can have great impact. As we prepare to ring in the new year, let's all resolve to make 2012 a healthier, happier, and greener year for all.

Steps 7, 8 and 9 to going Green

2012-01-13T01:47:00.000-05:00

(7) Buy local

"Small Business Saturday," falling between "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday," was established in 2010 as a way to support small businesses during the busiest shopping time of the year. Author and consumer advocate Michael Shuman argues that local small businesses are more sustainable because they are often more accountable for their actions, have smaller environmental footprints, and innovate to meet local conditions----providing models for others to learn from.

What you can do:

Instead of relying exclusively on large supermarkets, consider farmers markets and local farms for your produce, eggs, dairy, and meat. Food from these sources is usually fresher and more flavorful, and your money will be going directly to these food producers.

(8) Get out and ride

We all know that carpooling and using public transportation helps cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, as well as our gas bills. Now, cities across the country are investing in new mobility options that provide exercise and offer an alternative to being cramped in subways or buses. Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C. have major bike sharing programs that allow people to rent bikes for short-term use. Similar programs exist in other cities, and more are planned for places from Miami, Florida, to Madison, Wisconsin.

What you can do:

If available, use your city's bike share program to run short errands or commute to work. Memberships are generally inexpensive (only $75 for the year in Washington, D.C.), and by eliminating transportation costs, as well as a gym membership, you can save quite a bit of money!
Even if without bike share programs, many cities and towns are incorporating bike lanes and trails, making it easier and safer to use your bike for transportation and recreation.

(9) Share a car

Car sharing programs spread from Europe to the United States nearly 13 years ago and are increasingly popular, with U.S. membership jumping 117 percent between 2007 and 2009. According to the University of California Transportation Center, each shared car replaces 15 personally owned vehicles, and roughly 80 percent of more than 6,000 car-sharing households surveyed across North America got rid of their cars after joining a sharing service. In 2009, car-sharing was credited with reducing U.S. carbon emissions by more than 482,000 tons. Innovative programs such as Chicago's I-GO are even introducing solar-powered cars to their fleets, making the impact of these programs even more eco-friendly.

What you can do:

Join a car share program! As of July 2011, there were 26 such programs in the U.S., with more than 560,000 people sharing over 10,000 vehicles. Even if you don't want to get rid of your own car, using a shared car when traveling in a city can greatly reduce the challenges of finding parking (car share programs have their own designated spots), as well as your environmental impact as you run errands or commute to work.

Steps 4 ,5, and 6 to going Green

2012-01-08T00:08:00.001-05:00

(4) Turn on the tap

The bottled water industry sold 8.8 billion gallons of water in 2010, generating nearly $11 billion in profits. Yet plastic water bottles create huge environmental problems. The energy required to produce and transport these bottles could fuel an estimated 1.5 million cars for a year, yet approximately 75 percent of water bottles are not recycled----they end up in landfills, litter roadsides, and pollute waterways and oceans. And while public tap water is subject to strict safety regulations, the bottled water industry is not required to report testing results for its products. According to a study, 10 of the most popular brands of bottled water contain a wide range of pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, fertilizer residue, and arsenic.

What you can do:

Fill up your glasses and reusable water bottles with water from the sink. The United States has more than 160,000 public water systems, and by eliminating bottled water you can help to keep nearly 1 million tons of bottles out of the landfill, as well as save money on water costs.

(5) Turn down the heat

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that consumers can save up to 15 percent on heating and cooling bills just by adjusting their thermostats. Turning down the heat by 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours can result in savings of 5-15 percent on your home heating bill.

What you can do:

Turn down your thermostat when you leave for work, or use a programmable thermostat to control your heating settings.

(6) Support food recovery programs

Each year, roughly a third of all food produced for human consumption----approximately 1.3 billion tons----gets lost or wasted, including 34 million tons in the United States, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Grocery stores, bakeries, and other food providers throw away tons of food daily that is perfectly edible but is cosmetically imperfect or has passed its expiration date. In response, food recovery programs run by homeless shelters or food banks collect this food and use it to provide meals for the hungry, helping to divert food away from landfills and into the bellies of people who need it most.

What you can do:

Encourage your local restaurants and grocery stores to partner with food rescue organizations, like City Harvest in New York City or Second Harvest Heartland in Minnesota.
Go through your cabinets and shelves and donate any non-perishable canned and dried foods that you won't be using to your nearest food bank or shelter.

The 1st three steps to going Green

2012-01-04T00:55:00.001-05:00

(1) Recycle

Recycling programs exist in cities and towns across the United States, helping to save energy and protect the environment. In 2009, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to require all homes and businesses to use recycling and composting collection programs. As a result, more than 75 percent of all material collected is being recycled, diverting 1.6 million tons from the landfills annually----double the weight of the Golden Gate Bridge. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for each pound of aluminum recovered, Americans save the energy resources necessary to generate roughly 7.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity----enough to power a city the size of Pittsburgh for six years!

What you can do:

Put a separate container next to your trash can or printer, making it easier to recycle your bottles, cans, and paper.

(2) Turn off the lights

On the last Saturday in March (3/31/12) hundreds of people, businesses, and governments around the world turn off their lights for an hour as part of Earth Hour, a movement to address climate change.

What you can do:

Earth Hour happens only once a year, but you can make an impact every day by turning off lights during bright daylight, or whenever you will be away for an extended period of time.

(3) Make the switch

In 2007, Australia became the first country to "ban the bulb," drastically reducing domestic usage of incandescent light bulbs. By late 2010, incandescent bulbs had been totally phased out, and, according to the country's environment minister, this simple move has made a big difference, cutting an estimated 4 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2012. China also recently pledged to replace the 1 billion incandescent bulbs used in its government offices with more energy efficient models within five years.

What you can do:

A bill in Congress to eliminate incandescent in the United States failed in 2011, but you can still make the switch at home. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use only 20-30 percent of the energy required by incandescents to create the same amount of light, and LEDs use only 10 percent, helping reduce both electric bills and carbon emissions.

2012 the International Year of Sustainable Energy

2011-12-31T16:24:00.001-05:00

There’s still time to set personal resolutions before the New Year’s Eve celebration sets in. Your resolutions may be in the form of grandiose gestures—a vow to be a better spouse, for example—or be tied to a specific act, such losing weight, getting out of debt or quitting smoking.

What are some of your New Year’s resolutions for 2012?

At first I thought I wouldn’t make any because I'm not going to make any resolutions that I know I'm not going to keep. Makes it easier that way! But then I decided that maybe in 2012, I can make a better commitment to being green and reducing my environmental impacts.

Said Robert Engelman, President of the Worldwatch Institute, a global environmental research organization based on Washington, D.C., "The global community, and particularly people living in industrialized societies, have put unsustainable demands on our planet's limited resources. If we expect to be able to feed, shelter, and provide even basic living conditions to our growing population in years to come, we must act now to change."

The United Nations has designated 2012 as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. Broadening access to sustainable energy is essential to solving many of the world's challenges, including food production, security, and poverty.

Coming in the next few days will be the 12 steps to going green---Hunt Archbold

Christmas

2011-12-26T06:14:00.002-05:00

HOPE YOU ALL HAD A HAPPY AND GREEN CHRISTMAS - EVEN THOSE OF YOU THAT HAD SNOW. A LOT OF YOU WILL HAVE THIS WEEK OFF SO ENJOY!

Young children can learn to recycle

2011-12-19T23:49:00.001-05:00

Game off? Yep, get the kids to turn off video games (both the TV and the console) after they're done playing, and you'll win back about $100 per year.
Pitch in. Live in one of the 11 states with bottle bills? Have your kids collect aluminum cans and plastic bottles to redeem for cash to spend on a treat.
Don't tap out. Teach children to turn off the water while brushing their teeth. Leaving the tap running during the recommended two minutes of brushing can waste up to five gallons of water a day.
Book it. Dr. Seuss's 1971 book, The Lorax, stars a creature who "speaks for the trees" against those who'd cut them down.

Good Housekeeping

Easy to Implement green tips

2011-12-15T00:27:00.001-05:00

1. Whenever you wash dishes, don't leave the water running while you scrub the dishes. Put soiled dishes right into a sink or dishpan full of soapy water, scrub them, then dip them into a sink or tub of rinse water. In case you are interested in germs, boil only a few cups of water in the microwave and pour the hot water over the rinsed dishes to sterilize them (the hot dishes will dry faster too).

2. Avoid flushing the toilet after every visit. Liquid waste does not have to be flushed away each and every time. Each and every flush uses about 1.6 gallons of water. So every time you avoid flushing, you're saving 1.6 gallons. That can add up over the course of the month.

3. Turn lights off whenever you leave a room.

4. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) instead of incandescent bulbs. These going green tips really do reduce your energy use. Do not forge toutdoor lighting. Use energy-efficient floodlights if you have them, and use solar lights for your steps and driveway.

5. Eat local food whenever you can. Local food means the foodstuff travels fewer miles to get to your plate or store. Fewer miles mean fewer emissions and less fossil fuel.

from Sustainable eco green living

Cangles as Christmas gifts

2011-12-10T20:48:00.003-05:00

You have 11 more days to order from Cangles and still receive them by Christmas.

Here is a great gift for the men in your lives. Toolshed dustpans made out of license plates.

Wrapping your presents

2011-12-06T18:56:00.002-05:00

Some of you will already have your shopping done for Christmas.
And even if you don't here is a great idea for gift wrapping.

The last two years instead of Christmas wrapping paper I have wrapped my presents
in newspaper. This is a good way to recycle your daily papers.

My daughter wants her presents wrapped that way again this year.
She thinks it is a great idea.

You could also use magazine pages for small gifts.

Frugal green tips - part one

2011-12-04T00:31:00.002-05:00

According to the World Wildlife Fund, if everyone on the planet consumed at the levels that we do here in the U.S., it would take three planet Earths to provide the resources necessary to sustain us. Americans are only 5 percent of the world's population, but we consume 30 percent of the world's resources. According to U.S. Census data, the rate of per capita consumption (i.e., the amount of "stuff" we consume) has increased by more than 50 percent in the last 30 years.

So the good news is, what's good for the environment is usually good for your wallet, too. Here are some examples of how you can save some green while living green:

Cleaning Products. Good old-fashioned products like baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean nearly all household surfaces. They cost only pennies per application and are even lighter on the environment than many specialized green cleaning products.

Cars. Driving your 55-mpg hybrid to the office every day by yourself may make you feel green, but carpooling with four friends in an 18-mpg clunker uses much less gas and creates less pollution per passenger. Of course, all driving options pale in comparison to what are always the greenest and cheapest options of all — using public transportation, walking or bicycling whenever possible.

aarp

Christmas Gifts

2011-11-30T01:15:00.002-05:00

Here at Cangles we have a number of choices for great Christmas gifts. Not only our jewelry but we have record bowls and dustpans for the shed or garage.
We recycle old license plates and old records.

Reusable bags

2011-11-26T01:45:00.000-05:00

Just bag it! Help protect the environment when you shop. Keep reusable bags on your car seat or near your door so they are easy to grab when you go. And you can even combine shopping bags - just tell the cashier that you don't need a bag, then put all your purchases together in one bag just be sure to hang on to your receipts!

2011-11-24T00:39:00.001-05:00

Just want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your time with family and friends.

Save on Water

2011-11-19T21:18:00.001-05:00

Make it a full load! Run your dishwasher only when it's full.

Be sensible! The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but in fact only one percent of all water on the planet is available for humans.

Shower power! A full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water, but taking a five-minute shower saves water by using 10 to 25 gallons.

Don't be a drip - fix that leak!

Tip of the Day

2011-11-16T22:10:00.001-05:00

Reduce your carbon footprint! Leaving your car at home twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,600 pounds per year.

Turn old pants into rags

2011-11-13T23:50:00.003-05:00

While some people may go the old, ordinary route of cutting up a pair of pants to make irregular-shaped cleaning towels, there are new means to get the house clean and to do it in style.

Creating recycled pants rags can be done in many ways, and some are more complex than others are. The simplest is to cut sections from a pair of pants, and then sew them together to form a double-layered rag.

For those wanting to spice up the cleaning process, follow these quick, simple steps to produce a pant rag that will be the envy of all your friends and neighbors:

Cut the pants fabric into long, thin scraps -- about 1 inch wide by 6 inches long.
Braid or crochet the scraps of fabric together to make a rag [source: Thrifty Fun].

Making recycled pants rags is quick and easy, and you can even get the kids to join in on the fun. Since they'll be working with scissors, you'll want to supervise the children closely as they cut strips of fabric for you to braid or crochet, or cut large squares for ready-made rags. And who knows, they may be so excited about their new creations that they'll even chip in with the house cleaning.

Copied from TLC

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T23:33:00.001-05:00

A big THANK YOU to all our Veteran's and their families.

Thanksgiving can be eco-friendly - Part 2

2011-11-09T00:21:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving weekend is one of heaviest for highway travel in the United States. This year, why not reduce global warming and improve air quality by lowering your auto emissions at the same time that you lower your family’s stress level? Skip the stressful holiday travel and celebrate a green Thanksgiving at home.
If you must go over the river and through the woods, there are still ways to have a green Thanksgiving. If you drive, use less fuel and lower your emissions by making sure your car is in good working order and your tires are properly inflated. If possible, carpool to reduce the number of cars on the road and lower the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to air pollution and global warming.

Thanksgiving can be eco-friendly - Part 1

2011-11-05T02:20:00.001-04:00

To make your Thanksgiving celebration as eco-friendly as possible, start with the three Rs of conservation: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Reduce the amount of waste you produce by buying only as much as you need and choosing products that come in packaging that can be recycled.

Carry reusable bags when you do your shopping, and use cloth napkins that can be washed and used again.

Recycle paper, and all plastic, glass and aluminum containers. If you don’t already have a compost bin, use your Thanksgiving fruit and vegetable trimmings to start one. The compost will enrich the soil in your garden next spring.

Veterans Day

2011-11-01T23:58:00.005-04:00

Veterans Day is coming soon. Let us all remember what our men and women in the armed services have sacrificed for all of us.

We have a few new styles in our military line. Here are a couple of them.

Don't forget that we donate a portion of the sale of our military line to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Garden clean up for Fall

2011-10-29T09:52:00.001-04:00

We all know that gardens are great for the environment but we also especially those of us that live where it snows need to get it ready for winter.

After a hard freeze perennials will typically drop their leaves. These leaves should be cleaned up, if you have had insect problems. Many problem insects will over-winter in the garden in the form of eggs or larvae. Leaves from overhead trees should be raked as they can smother garden plants when allowed to accumulate in great depth.

In an effort to clean up your garden, don’t be in a hurry to cut off the stems and leaves of perennial flowers and summer-blooming shrubs (i.e. Butterfuly Bush, Blue Mist Spirea, Russian Sage.). Wait until mid-spring. Many plants more successfully over-winter when the stems are left on them until spring. The stems provide energy reserves for the root system and will also catch blowing snow that helps insulate the plants and provide extra moisture during winter months.

Reusing old Windows

2011-10-25T15:27:00.002-04:00

Old windows can be found for relatively cheap at salvage yards, and they make a perfect item for wall art. Old windows can be used in a variety of ways. Try some of these creative ideas for that old window and a plain wall.

- Decoupage pressed flowers onto the glass. Try using whole flowers or just petals for an interesting country garden look.

- Decoupage postcards from around the world into the panes or pictures of a favorite city, like Paris.

- Paint the frame to match your child’s room. Attach clothespins (also painted in a coordinated color) all around the outside of the window. As you child grows attach school pictures to the panes and let them use the clothespins to showcase their drawings, report cards and other mementos. When the child graduates you have a ready-made decoration.

Start Living Green at Home

2011-10-19T23:39:00.004-04:00

We must first take baby steps because the task of going green in our own home can seem quite daunting.

We can buy canvas bags and take them to the grocery store with us.
We can make sure all lights are turned off when no one is in a room.
Opt out of receiving junk mail.
Turn off the faucet when brushing teeth.

Once we start making these small changes in our family’s everyday living, we’ll look for more and more ways to green up our home. Our children will thank us.

The planet will thank us.

Make EcoLiving commonplace in your own home, and set a good example.

Jackie Kass

Help your Business go Green

2011-10-13T23:44:00.001-04:00

Tip #1 Go with Green Vendors: If you want to go green at your office, it's going to be important to go with green vendors for your needs. Find out if vendors have green policies of their own in place already.

Tip #2 Make Donations: Another thing that you can do to keep your office environmentally friendly is to make some donations. All the pens, phones, books, computers, and other supplies that you have at the office that are no longer being used can be donated.

Tip #3 Purchase and Plant Trees around Your Business: Trees are great for helping the environment by releasing oxygen into the air. Why not plant some trees around your business.

Tip #4 Put in Electric Hand Dryers: Many businesses go with paper towels in their bathrooms, and this promotes the use of natural resources that could be saved. Instead of using all that paper, why not invest in some electric hand dryers for your bathrooms.

Tip #5 Go with Recycled Products: There are a variety of different recycled products that you can use for your business that will help you in your pursuit of going green at the office. Some of the recycled products that you can use include recycled paper goods, recycled toner and printer cartridges, and even recycled plastics.

Tip #6 Purchase Personalized Coffee Mugs for Your Employees: Why not go ahead and purchase some personalized coffee mugs for all of your employees.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness

2011-10-10T00:41:00.009-04:00

We have a new cuff design that we are now offering with the rest of our Breast Cancer collection. For the month of October if you place an order for a breast cancer cuff or bangle you will receive a free necklace. As always a dollar is donated for every one you order - that is not just for the month of October but for the whole year.
Let's help stop Breast Cancer!

Sorry about not blogging

2011-10-09T21:32:00.002-04:00

Just wanted you to know that tomorrow I will start the blog up again.
For the life of me I couldn't get in because I couldn't get into Google.

I changed the system I use so everything is OK now.

See you tomorrow!

More about the Mi Fest

2011-09-04T10:04:00.001-04:00

The Raconteurs headline the first-annual event on September 17, 2011, in Brooklyn, Mich. The outdoor music and camping experience also features headliners Sheryl Crow and Ronnie Dunn.

Other artists already announced to appear on MI Fest's multiple stages include Jeff Daniels, Alto Reed's AllStars, The Ben Daniels Band, The Ragbirds, Bear Lake, Hot Club of Detroit, Jill Jack, Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad), Marnée, Mitch Ryder, The Howling Diablos, The Juliets, The Rockets, The Romantics, Ty Stone & The Truth, Whitey Morgan & The 78s.

Hope to see you there. It should be a great time!

5 Green tips

2011-08-31T20:37:00.000-04:00

At holidays and birthdays, give your family and friends the gift of saving the earth. Donate to their favorite environmental group, foundation, or organization.

Get off junk mail lists. GreenDimes can get you started. They’ll even plant a tree for you!

Buy products that use recyclable materials whenever possible.

Recycle your newspapers.

If you have a baby, consider using cloth diapers

Green tips

2011-08-27T23:00:00.000-04:00

Don’t let tap water run if you are not using it.
Make use of your dishwasher only if it is full with dishes, wash single plates without using the dishwasher.
Keep the lights off as often and make use of sunlight during daytime.
Consult with your neighborhood power company for making your home energy efficient.

Summer craft

2011-08-25T08:58:00.002-04:00

Summer is almost over. Here in Michigan the kids go back to school in less than two weeks.
Let's do one more summer craft that the parents and kids can do together.

To make the go green Redneck Wind Chimes you will need 6-8 empty washed aluminum cans. Drop a few marbles inside each one for weight. You also need an old wire coat hanger and some nylon string.

These eco friendly crafts are put together in traditional go green redneck fashion. First hang the wire hanger up. Now your go green hands are free to create. Tie strings of random lengths to the hanger. Tie the aluminum cans to the other end of the string through the can tabs. Now hang the crazy go green crafts project on the front porch to amuse passersby.

Eating Vegetarian

2011-08-21T15:19:00.004-04:00

This might not be a choice for everyone. I love meat! Plus my husband was raised on a farm so this would not be good for farmers. But, it is part of some peoples life styles and it is how some people feel.
Eating vegetarian saves more land, energy, and water than any other choice you can make. That's because livestock eat several times more grain than they produce as meat. So raising livestock uses:

several times as much land to grow the grain to feed them
several times as much energy to harvest the grain and transport it
several times as much water to grow the grain and to water the animals
several times as much pesticides, etc.

Make a pumpkin from a used baby food jar

2011-08-18T00:48:00.002-04:00

- 1
  
  Clean the surface of the baby food jar with vinegar, using a cotton ball.
- 2
  
  Sponge paint the entire outer surface of the baby food jar with the brown acrylic paint, using the sea sponge. Allow the paint to dry.
- 3
  
  Sponge paint over the brown paint with the orange acrylic paint, using the sea sponge. Allow the paint to dry.
- 4
  
  Paint a 1/4-inch triangle nose, centered on the front of the baby food jar pumpkin, using the black acrylic paint and a paint brush. Allow the paint to dry.
- 5
  
  Paint two 1/4-inch triangle eyes, even with the tip of the nose and spaced 1/4 inch apart on the baby food jar pumpkin, using the black acrylic paint and a paint brush. Allow the paint to dry.
- 6
  
  Paint two cheeks placed a 1/2 inch away from either side of the nose and slightly lower than the nose. Dip the eraser end of a new pencil in pink acrylic paint and dot on the baby food jar pumpkin. Allow the paint to dry.
- 7
  
  Paint highlights on the eyes and cheeks by dipping the tip of a toothpick in white paint and dotting. Allow the paint to dry.
- 8
  
  Draw a mouth on the baby food jar pumpkin using the fine line black permanent marker and making stitch lines.
- 9
  
  Outline the cheeks with the fine line black permanent marker using stitch lines.
- 10
  
  Spray the surface of the baby food jar pumpkin with the clear acrylic sealer. Allow to dry.
- 11
  
  Tie several strands of raffia around the neck of the baby food jar and knot. Trim the ends.

Cangles at the Michigan Music Festival

2011-08-15T00:45:00.002-04:00

Cangles will be at the Mi fest Sept 17th at the Michigan International Speedway. It is a Music Festival and it has a great lineup:

Stop by and say Hi!

THE RACONTEURS • SHERYL CROW

RONNIE DUNN

THE ROMANTICS • MARK FARNER

ALTO REED'S ALLSTARS

TY STONE & THE TRUTH

MITCH RYDER & THE DETROIT WHEELS

THE ROCKETS • HOWLING DIABLO'S

JILL JACK • WHITEY MORGAN & THE 78'S

HOT CLUB OF DETROIT

THE JULIETS • MARNÉE • BEAR LAKE

10 easy ways to Green your House

2011-08-11T23:12:00.001-04:00

1. Use power strips.

2. Buy fluorescent bulbs.

3. Buy 'green' energy. Almost every utility company now offers alternative sources of energy -- and some of it is green.

4. Put plastic on your windows.

5. Buy polyester.

6. Put up a clothesline.

7. Start a compost heap.

8. Wrap your water heater.

9. Dam your toilet. A toilet dam, which stops some of the water from leaving the tank when you flush.

10. Buy antiques.

MSN

SeaShell craft

2011-08-09T00:07:00.004-04:00

No matter which beach you enjoy going to on summer vacation, you and your kids will find a treasure of seashells. Here is a good project to do together.

You will need:

- large candle glass
- large white or off-white candle
- sand
- collected seashells

Instructions:

1. Fill the glass with sand. Place the candle securely in the sand.
2. Arrange the seashells around the candle.

Another new Style in Cangles

2011-08-06T11:12:00.005-04:00

We have another new and hip style for the women out there. It goes especially well with
those casual clothes.

Vacation

2011-08-02T08:54:00.001-04:00

Will be on vacation for the next four days. See you later.

Where green jobs are Growing

2011-08-02T08:46:00.003-04:00

Here is a list of the top five areas in the country where green jobs are growing:

1. Knoxville, Tenn
2. Raleigh-Cary, NC
3. Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa
4. Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, Ark
5. Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY

The most Green State: Vermont
The least Green State: Ohio

Thought this was quite interesting.

Recycle craft for kids

2011-07-29T23:35:00.001-04:00

Bake up some mini-cupcakes and creatively store and give them in a decorated egg carton.

Materials Needed:

Mini-Cupcakes
Egg carton
Paint
Ribbon
Items to Embellish
Photo
Paint Brush
Scissors

Instructions:
Paint the egg carton and let the paint dry. Decorate the egg carton using stamps or your favorite embellishments.

Use your favorite recipe to bake and frost mini-cupcakes. You can also use store bought cupcakes. Place a cupcake in each egg carton cup. Carefully close the egg carton.

To finish the carton of cupcakes, cut a piece of ribbon and tie it around the egg carton. As a finishing touch, place a photo on top of the carton.

Three things you can Recycle

2011-07-28T00:54:00.002-04:00

Recycle old Athletic socks - cut each old sock off just slightly above the ankle, and below the ribbed leg section. The left over foot portion can be use instead of those expensive disposable dusting mittens.

Tie Dye - this is a great affordable way to give lightly stained, lighter colored linens and clothing items a second shelf life.

Second hand goods - anything you are comfortable buying second hand keeps that same item from ending up in a garbage dump.

ideas from Wisebread

Cangle products

2011-07-26T23:50:00.010-04:00

Cangles: We have something for everyone! Go green with your jewelry and keep cans out of our landfills.

Twitter

2011-07-24T20:10:00.001-04:00

Cangles blog is now hooked to twitter. At least I hope it is-this is a test.

Homemade Green Fungicide for Plants

2011-07-24T11:15:00.001-04:00

All-Purpose Recipe:

1tsp. baking soda
few drops Trounce or 2 drops liquid soap
2 cups water

Mix and spray generously on plants. Repeat every two weeks.

Also try:

Spray roses and new seedlings with a “tea” made of ground cinnamon.
Steep and cool chamomile tea (4 tea bags in 2 cups water), spray new seedlings to prevent “damping off”.

Heat and humidity in mid summer are key contributors to the development of fungus. Perennials prone to fungus should be spaced in a way that promotes air circulation.

Some perennials that are susceptible to powdery mildew are: Garden Phlox and Bergamot (Bee Balm)

Black Spot typically strikes roses.

Natural resources

2011-07-22T09:14:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to talk about our natural resources for a minute. Especially since I live in Michigan we have tons of lakes and rivers. We are surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Let us keep it that way! So many of our countries waterways and land are polluted with trash.
Not only that but just walk down the street sometimes and see the trash people throw on the sidewalks and lawns.
Let's all try to be better stewart's of this great country of ours.

Fridge Pockets - green craft for kids

2011-07-19T23:42:00.001-04:00

You can use the back pockets from jeans or other casual pants. You can also use that mitten that lost the matching mitten. One great way to use these is to have one for each member of the family. They can be stuck to a magnetic board and hung in the kitchen. Notes, treats, and information can be tucked into the pockets.

Materials:

Back pockets cut from old jeans, leaving the pocket intact
Scraps from the sewing basket, fabric paint, buttons for embellishment
Magnetic strips (available in craft stores)
Hot glue

Instructions:

Cut the pocket from the pants. Embellish it with buttons, lace, ribbon, or other scrap items. Paint the name or a title on the front such as: coupons, chores, Mom, etc. Hot glue the magnetic strip to the back of the pocket.

Green tips for Cooking

2011-07-15T09:58:00.003-04:00

Work in naturally-lit areas: Cook in the sunlight so you don’t have to use artificial light.

Use the right size cookware: Use the smallest size pot or pan that you need to cook, and use less energy.

Use smaller appliances whenever you can: If your microwave will do just as good a job as your oven, use it instead.

Put less water in your kettle: By using less water to heat your cup of tea, you’ll take less time and energy to make it.

Turn your oven or stove off earlier than you normally would, and let residual heat finish the job.

Cook smaller portions: If you’re throwing away food, you’re wasting it, so cook only what you need.

Avoid preheating: Most new ovens come up to temperature quickly, so preheating is not necessary.

Put lids on pots: You’ll bring the contents to a boil faster, using less energy.

Match your cookware to your burner: Use a burner that is smaller or the same size as your pot or pan, and you’ll waste less energy.

Cook in batches: Cook once, and store your leftovers to eat again.

Dish up the Rays

2011-07-12T00:22:00.003-04:00

To make:

Use transparent and patterned glass plates to make natural suncatchers. Using a handheld hacksaw, cut a piece of copper pipe. Notch one end to receive the lip of the plate. Use epoxy glue made for metal and glass to secure the plates to the pipe. Cut leaves out of copper foil and attach with more epoxy.

Easy Recycling Tips

2011-07-07T01:09:00.001-04:00

1. Find a convenient place to collect recyclable items. Most things come from the kitchen, making it a good spot to set up a recycling center.

2. The great thing about recycling is that it lets you put your favorite old containers, bins, or baskets to use. Assign containers for glass, plastic, and aluminum. To avoid messes, choose solid containers for storing items such as glass jars or cans that may have a sticky residue.

3. Take leftover plastic bags back to grocery stores where they are collected and reused to make plastic lumber.

4. Check the bottom of plastic items to identify what type of plastic they are. If the type is not recycled at your local center, consider ways to reuse the container.

5. Save water and time when recycling cans and bottles. You no longer need to rinse them out or remove their labels.

6. Recycle junk mail or reuse it as scratch paper.

7. Newspapers, magazines, and white paper can all be recycled as long as the paper is clean and dry. Plastic wrap, stickers, or rubber bands should be removed, but staples and plastic window envelopes are OK.

8. Recycle worn-out rechargeable batteries like those used in cell phones, computers, or power tools. Go to www.rbrc.org to find a drop-off location in your area.

9. Divvy up recycling duties among family members and sort items on a daily basis.

10. Print out this list of commonly recycled materials. Post it where you recycle for easy access.

taken from Country Home

2011-07-04T00:41:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July!

What to do with left over carpet

2011-07-01T23:11:00.002-04:00

Keep it in storage in case you need it for future repairs.

If you have pets put it in the dog house. Or donate to a neighbor with a dog.

A very good use of small carpet pieces is to put into tool drawers or tool shelf. It will keep the tools from sliding around and make the drawer quieter when you are getting tools in and out.

If you are just concerned with being green and not throwing things in the dump, you might think of the carpet as extra insulation and place it in the attic.

I know some people who use carpet in their flower gardens in areas they don't want weeds to grow, they dig down about an inch, lay the carpet flat and fill over with bark chips. The carpet allows the water to flow through but keeps the weeds away.

Or use for making a scratching post for a cat.

Why We Use Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Lemons To Clean

2011-06-25T21:31:00.002-04:00

Vinegar, baking soda, and lemons all have natural cleaning powers that rival manufactured cleaning solutions. They are easy and safe to use, and can often clean for much less money than other cleaning products on the market. They are green.

Make a solution of 1/4 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of vinegar, and 1 gallon of hot water. This mixture will clean of grease and grime as well as deoderize.

Vinegar can be a great cleaning ingredient, but many people dislike the vinegar smell. Adding lemon juice to vinegar when cleaning can help neutralize the vinegar smell.

Countertop stains can be removed by allowing lemon juice to sit on the stain for a few minutes. Scrub the area with baking soda and watch the stains disappear. Don't leave the lemon juice sitting for too long. It can be powerful stuff.

New Products in the Cangles Store

2011-06-23T00:08:00.006-04:00

A special Day

2011-06-19T08:35:00.001-04:00

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there

Old window decor

2011-06-16T17:27:00.005-04:00

Recycle old windows into functional furniture and accessories for your home or garden, such as a table, shelf, wall art or room divider. Attach four decorative table legs to an old window frame to make a coffee or occasional table.

Decoupage pressed flowers onto the glass. Try using whole flowers or just petals for an interesting country garden look. Also, just take some left over paint and use your
imagination.

Simple tips to Green living

2011-06-13T22:21:00.002-04:00

Shut down and unplug any electronic products that aren’t being used. You may even be wasting electricity without even knowing it. For those who have even a little light on, on a product that is turned off, it is wasting power. You may also be squandering electricity by leaving your cell phone plugged in after is has been charged.

By simply making a change from a desktop computer to a notebook computer it can save you 50% on the electrical energy used. When ever possible make use of the battery power on the laptop as opposed to plugging it in.

The right maintenance on your car is also important for fuel savings. Lots of people can walk to where they need to go but choose to drive instead, if you have the option, take a walk. You ought to ensure that your cars tires are inflated accordingly and you should change your oil and air filters fairly often, as this will make your car a lot more efficient, as a result utilizing less fuel. You won’t just have the ability to save money on fuel by following these tips but in addition, you will be helping our planet.

Make your summer green

2011-06-05T00:50:00.003-04:00

When you start detailing your plans, Make ‘Green’ Your Summer Theme. The simplest of actions can add up to make a real difference and contribute to better health for your family and your planet! Here are a few ideas that are easy to follow, cost effective…and of course, earth-friendly.

Try to be the “Green Grill Master”. Choose the least polluting grill method. While you may love the smell and taste of charcoal grilled food, charcoal releases carbon monoxide, contributing to respiratory problems and air pollution. If you insist on charcoal, try a natural product like Cowboy Charcoal. Electric grills are the best option, producing 99% less carbon monoxide than charcoal. Propane grills are the next best option; propane burns much cleaner than charcoal. In addition to your grilling method, try not to burn meat, because the charred portions cause toxic chemicals to be released into your food. Toxic chemical “seasoning” is not my idea of gourmet dining from home!

Solar is obviously “in season” this time of year. Take advantage of the free, abundant solar power that works like no other. Hang laundry out to dry to conserve energy and enjoy fresh smelling sheets and clothes. If you are accustomed to coloring your hair, consider sunbathing with lemon juice, to lighten hair the natural way, avoiding harmful ingredients found in expensive commercial hair dyes. For refreshing drinks, try making sun-tea or green tea on your porch in a glass jar – both are healthy alternatives to sodas and sugary drinks (see Ehow.com for good recipes).

In your travels this summer, remember to tread lightly. While on hikes or bikes, stay on designated paths to minimize disturbance of natural areas. No matter where you visit, take all your trash (and a few extras) when you leave and save recyclables, too. Enjoy water sports, but be mindful of the importance of clean water streams. When you fill up the gas tank on your boat or Jet Ski, use a funnel to make sure no gas is spilled into the water.

A challenge to each of our households: make this summer your greenest season yet! Involve your whole family. Map out ideas for your green-themed summer and include a section called “make a difference”…take the challenge and do it In Honor of Planet Earth.

Indpendent Tribune

A jewel box for girls or a box for boys

2011-05-28T22:26:00.003-04:00

What Child does not enjoy having a place to put their special things? Make this Cute box Gem Covered for a girl or use outdoor items like rocks for a box for boys. Use buttons, or other household items and a box that would otherwise get thrown away. You can also make a box for a gift or to put a gift inside of it.

This is an easy craft made from a plain, recycled little jewelry box. Just paint and add some stick-on glittery gems or some glitter.

Need:

Small box
Paint
Brush
Stick-on gems or Glitter glue

What To Do:

Paint box and let dry. If you paint the top one color and the bottom a different color, this will add to the overall look of the box.
Stick on gems or decorate with glitter glue.

Make Memorial Day green

2011-05-25T22:39:00.001-04:00

If you’re planning on cutting the grass, make sure you’re using an electric mower, it’s easier on your back and on your carbon footprint.
Clean up the patio furniture with eco-friendly products instead of using the chemical-ridden kinds.
To keep bugs and those pesky mosquitoes away, try using a cup of sugar water at the edge of the party instead of sprays and candles.
Make sure to use biodegradable utensils, bowls, and cups that create much less waste in your local landfill.
Keep a recycling and compost bins handy and let your guests know where they’re located.
Maybe try using cloth napkins this year that can be reused over and over again.
Use biodegradable trash bags to clean up any leftover trash.
How about letting your guests leave with the leftovers so that no food gets thrown away?
Clean up the grill with just soap and water and throw those chemical cleaners out!
Put everything else in the compost and start planning for next year’s event!

Memorial Day

2011-05-23T00:20:00.002-04:00

Our memorial cuff is a great way to celebrate the upcoming weekend. Check out other
patriotic cuffs also.

Glass recycling facts

2011-05-17T10:14:00.000-04:00

In the U.S. today, 34% of all glass containers are recycled.
Recycling one glass bottle saves enough electricity to light a 100-watt bulb for four hours.
Recycling glass reduces air pollution by 14-20% and saves 25-32% more energy than making glass from virgin raw materials.
Over a ton of resources is saved for every ton of glass recycled.
Glass containers save 9 gallons of fuel (oil) for every ton of glass recycled.
Most bottles and jars contain at least 25% recycled glass.

Make a clock out of a used CD's

2011-05-14T01:03:00.002-04:00

What you'll need:

Old music CD or CD-rom
"Painters" paint markers
Clockworks
Metal washer - you probably have one of these at home

How to make it:

Paint the CD with paint you already have at home. Let dry.
Write the numbers around the edge of the CD. Make sure you space them evenly. (Parents should help with this step.)
Assemble the clock works onto the CD. You'll likely need a bigger washer than what is included in most clock works, which will need to be placed on the top of the CD to keep the clock together.
Give as a present or keep for yourself.

Re using broken or mismatched jewelry

2011-05-10T11:22:00.002-04:00

If you are afraid your brooch looks too old fashioned, give it a younger feel by using it as another piece. Attach a necklace chain to both sides of the brooch to use it as a pendant for a necklace. You can also use a brooch as decoration for accessories other than jewelry, such as a purse or a headband.

If you have given up hope of finding a lost match to a favorite earring, rework it into a new piece instead of throwing it away. If you like the design of the earring and would like to wear it in a different form, you can easily turn it into a necklace or ring. Remove the hook or post from the earring and adapt it to a pendant to wear around your neck. If the shape allows, you can also attach it onto a plain ring band to make a brand new cocktail ring. You can find supplies to help you adapt such pieces at a beading or jewelry store.

Turn a bracelet into a choker. This is a good idea if the clasp is broken, or if you want to find new ways to wear a favorite bracelet. Attach a ribbon to the end of one side of the bracelet and hold it across the front of your neck. Measure how much ribbon you need to connect it to the other end of the bracelet. Cut the ribbon and tie it to the other side. Make sure not to tie the knot too tight, or you will need to cut the ribbon to take off the choker; don't tie it too loose or the choker may fall off

Make a recycled bowling set for children

2011-05-06T22:47:00.002-04:00

Make this fun, colorful & inexpensive bowling set with your child. This will provide a fun do-together activity, exercise and a real sense of accomplishment for your child.

Need:

6 empty plastic bottles (we used drink containers from kids meals that were saved from fast food places)
foam ball
gesso (white paint from art/craft sections)
non-toxic colored paints
brush
Optional : 6 small foam balls/glue (we used foam replacement balls)

What To Do:

Wash bottles and lids and let dry thoroughly.
Screw lids on tightly.
Paint bottles with gesso and let dry. This is a primer that will keep paint from scraping off any smooth/shiny surface.
Paint each bottle a solid color and when dry, decorate as you and your child wish. We just did stripes and dots.
Let dry throughly before letting your little bowler get his first strike!

Start thinking about a Green Memorial Day weekend

2011-05-03T23:57:00.001-04:00

Before the picnic….by green options

Get rid of any stuff that has accumulated in your yard by donating it to thrift store, or let it be reused when you sell it on eBay or Craigslist.
Mow your grass with an old-fashioned push mower or an electric mower. Gas mowers are more expensive, and they also leave a huge carbon footprint.
Purchase an electric grill powered by wind energy or a solar powered grill to have the most eco-friendly cooking experience with your food.
Clean off dirty lounge chairs or other outside patio furniture with green and natural cleaning products instead of using toxic chemicals.
Instead of going to a grocery store, support your local farmer’s market. Walk or bike to it to reduce your automobile emissions. Or, if you have a garden, pick your own organic ingredients from it!
Want to keep pesky mosquitoes away from you while you eat? Lather on some organic bug spray and repellant. You can also leave a cup of sugar water away from the crowd and bugs will flock towards it instead of you.

Uses for dryer sheets

2011-04-27T00:38:00.002-04:00

The best use of a dryer sheet I have ever tried, is to place one in a baking pan that has burnt on, stuck on "gunk" leave it overnight with water in the pan, as well, and in the morning the "gunk" glides off. It is terrific!

You can put a dryer sheet in your pocket and it will keep bugs away from you.

Even after they've done their work in the dryer, save them to clean the dryer vent of lint. They work very well collecting every bit of the lint, then just toss the lint in the yard for little birds to line their nests with.

Used dryer sheets work great on dusty TV and computer screens. There may be some screens that we're not supposed to touch, but everything I have is old so I can use them just fine.

If you have stinky feet, stuff a dryer sheet into each sneaker or shoe and the shoes will smell a lot nicer.

Rub one on frizzy hair, poof all gone

8 uses for vinegar - copied from Circle of Moms

2011-04-25T01:02:00.000-04:00

Happy Earth Day! In honor of the eco-friendly holiday, we’re examining one of the most versatile green products on the planet: vinegar. Incredibly affordable and environmentally safe, vinegar is an ideal product for homes with small, curious children who love to touch and taste. How can you use it? Read on...

1. General Cleaner and Disinfectant

From countertops and windows to bathtubs to hardwood floors, countless household surfaces can be cleaned with vinegar. “You can clean and disinfect just about anything with vinegar and water,” Joy B. shares. And as mother-of-two Katherine C. advises, you can use pure vinegar or a diluted solution, depending on the severity of the dirty situation: “Use vinegar full-strength for tough cleaning jobs and to remove lime or hard water stains, or mix the vinegar with warm water for a milder green cleaner.”

2. Fabric Softener

“I use vinegar in the rinse cycle to remove residue from detergent and to soften clothes,” shares mother-of-five Lori P. “I use 1 to 2 oz depending on load size. And when clothes are dry there is no vinegar scent.” As a natural fabric softener, vinegar is an especially smart choice when a family member has sensitive skin or allergies to dyes and perfumes.

3. Odor Remover

Is a strong scent lingering in your home? Vinegar is a natural odor remover. Ontario mom Jessica G. boils vinegar to remove odor evidence of her wood-burning stove, while Ohio mother-of-five Deborah B. simply sets out a small bowl of vinegar: “Remove lingering tobacco odors by filling a small bowl or saucer with apple cider vinegar and placing it in the room where the odor is…. within a few days your room will smell fresh and clean.”

4. Stain Remover

Whether you’re cleaning carpets or cloth diapers, vinegar is a powerful stain remover. Mother-of-one Toni L. explains: “Put a good amount of baking soda on the stain, then spray/sprinkle some white vinegar over the baking soda. It will go really bubbly and smell very strongly of vinegar. Put in wash and ta-da! Stain gone!”

5. Blemish Treatment

Vinegar is also a simple remedy for curing pimples. As Joanne E. suggests: “To banish blemishes fast combine 1 tsp. salt and 3 Tbs. vinegar in a bowl and dab on pimples using a cotton ball. Let sit 30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.”

6. Drain Cleaner

Moms like Jodi L. swear by baking soda and vinegar for freshening up kitchen drains: “To keep sink drains clean and odor free I periodically pour baking soda into the drain, then white distilled vinegar. The foaming actions cleans the pipes.”

7. Pots and Pans Cleaner

Why spend 20 minutes scouring off burnt food when vinegar and baking soda can do the work for you? As mother-of-three Sharon G. suggests: “Use vinegar & baking soda for stainless steel pots…Sprinkle the bottoms (inside bottoms) of the pans with baking soda, put on over the heat (stove) pour on vinegar after a minute. This will lift any baked-on crud.”

8. Weed Killer

Vinegar is a helpful tool outside, too. As Vicki H. advises: “Vinegar in a spray bottle kills grass and weeds in sidewalk cracks too...my new fave.”

Earth Day

2011-04-22T23:33:00.002-04:00

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Did any of you help the environment today. Start a new family tradition
with the whole family doing something for the environment. There are
lots of even small things that you as a family can do-example, start a
compost bin or plant a tree. It doesn't have to be a big project.

3 Green tips

2011-04-19T00:27:00.002-04:00

Save energy & the life of your clothes by hanging them outside to dry!

Reuse a ketchup squeeze bottle to make the perfect pancake batter dispenser!

At night keep the shades & the drapes closed to keep heat in & save energy

Go Green Expo - Los Angeles

2011-04-13T19:02:00.002-04:00

Cangles is going to be at the Go Green Expo in Los Angeles at the Convention Center
April 15-17th.

There will be 250 eco friendly boothes feasturing the lastest and greatest green
products and services.

Stop in and see all the fashionable jewelry that Cangles has to offer.
If you can't make it check us out at Cangles.com.

Six Earth Day tips

2011-04-10T12:42:00.002-04:00

1. Lower your thermostat. Buy a programmable thermostat.

2. Reuse your water bottle. Avoid buying bottled water. In fact, reuse everything at least once, especially plastics. Personally I use mine for at least a week.

3. Check out your bathroom. Use low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets.

4. Start a compost in your back yard or on your rooftop.

5. Buy locally made products and locally produced services.

6. Buy in season.

Earth Day

2011-04-06T19:16:00.001-04:00

Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970. While this first Earth Day was focused on the United States, an organization launched by Denis Hayes, who was the original national coordinator in 1970, took it international in 1990 and organized events in 141 nations. Earth Day is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and is celebrated in more than 175 countries every year April 22 corresponds to spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week, an entire week of activities focused on environmental issues. In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 International Mother Earth Day.

Re use Baby Wipe boxes

2011-04-02T08:35:00.002-04:00

My sister suggested I write about this subject:

Baby wipe boxes are the perfect size for stackable storage everywhere from the kitchen to the garage. Coins, carpentry nails, tiny pink fruity drink umbrellas, you name it, it's safe and neat in a baby wipe box.

Crafts/Playtime:

Re-use them for those same kids you bought them for. Make treasure boxes and play pirates, or place clues in each one and hide them around the house for a fun scavenger hunt. Also, they make great boxes to store crayons for use in the car on long or short trips.

Safe guard camping supplies:

Baby wipe boxes are also fairly water proof so when camping they make a good place to store those important things you like to keep dry and easy to find, like the toilet paper and a flash light.

Part 3 - It's in the Water

2011-03-30T21:21:00.001-04:00

Protecting resources like drinking water is paramount for society, but it often comes only after shortages are permanent. In areas all over the United States, especially in the Southwest and now the Southeast, water wars are frequent as rising populations strain limited supplies.

Water sources like rivers, streams, and aquifers have been tapped for irrigation. The demand has forced water management districts and environmental protection agencies to deny new well construction permits. In certain cases, however, the impact has not been all bad. As the price for water has increased, the use of treated wastewater effluent has become more acceptable. Where perfectly good drinking water was pumped miles away to fields of crops, pipelines are now placed so effluent, or graywater, can be used for irrigation. Not only does this alleviate an added strain on the water table, it provides an outlet for effluent rather than discharging it into estuaries and bays.

Water flushed from household toilets and drained from residential washing machines can be converted to graywater with minimal treatment and reused for irrigation. Individual graywater systems are being approved for residents, with states like Arizona leading the way. Not only does graywater offset the demand for treating water to the highest potable standard, it may actually be beneficial to plants as it's likely to contain nitrogen and phosphorus.

The quality of some water supplies has been negatively impacted as a result of poorly run industries, old landfills, septic tanks, pesticides and fertilizers used on crops, and other common causes. Regulators and watchdog groups alike try to monitor water quality, ensuring that no one is in harm's way.

Part 2 - The Land we live on

2011-03-26T12:39:00.002-04:00

It's easy to take soil for granted, but dirt is definitely more than a reason to run the vacuum. It sustains life both on the surface and below ground. Soil controls the flow of water over land, filters chemicals, and stores nutrients. It supports the structures that people live and work in. When the soil is neglected, the life that depends on it is damaged as well.

Soil is the outermost layer of the planet. In a way, it functions as the planet's skin, a protective layer. It's made from rocks, plants, and animals that have decayed over hundreds of years — just one inch of topsoil takes up to 500 years to form. Beneath the surface, a complex ecosystem comprised of minerals, water, air, fungi, bacteria, and plant material works together.

Earthworms are essential to soil health. Living at different depths underground, these animals digest organic matter like plant litter, leaving behind casts that become a vital part of the soil. For more information on earthworms, check out www.backyardnature.net.

Contamination from human activities weighs heavily on the soil. Industrial impacts include unremediated chemical spills, pesticide contamination from agricultural practices, and runoff from livestock farms with cattle operations. Also devastating are mining activities that alter the surface and subsurface. Not only are the ecosystems living in the soil destroyed, but drainage patterns on the surface are distorted and waste products from mines often degrade the quality of the soil and even nearby water bodies. Even old unlined landfills can leach liquids into the ground, contaminating groundwater as well as soil. Erosion also impacts the soil. When the uppermost layer of soil detaches, it takes with it nutrients and composition needed to sustain plants and structures.

Strides are being made in protecting the soil. As people become more aware of their individual impacts on the planet and more industries are held accountable, improvements in protection are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Industries that work with hazardous chemicals and other materials can take advantage of plant designs and barrier systems that are intended to prevent accidental spills from contaminating nearby soil and water. Agricultural techniques, such as leaving plant materials from previous harvests on the field, help reduce erosion and improve soil quality.

Green way to unclog a drain

2011-03-24T00:29:00.003-04:00

Just a quick little tip on how to unclog your drains without harsh chemicals.

Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain and then pour 2 cups of vinegar.
This is environmental friendly and if you still have to call a plumber he won't
be exposed to toxic fumes.

Part I - It's in the Air

2011-03-21T02:20:00.003-04:00

I just figured out how to get my post to work. Sorry to everyone that reads this blog.

Earth has three main components: the air we breathe, the land we live on, and the water that nourishes us. All of them have been affected by pollution, but there are ways to minimize future damage.
It's in the Air

Although the complex mechanics of air quality were not understood until recently, air quality has been an issue dating back to medieval times, when coal-burning furnaces choked peoples' lungs. In recent decades, the quality of the outside air arose as a concern, but now indoor air pollution is becoming more of a problem as well.

The world's largest stationary air polluters are power plants, followed by factories, dry cleaners, and degreasing operations used to clean metal equipment and machine parts. Add to that mobile sources of air pollution such as cars, buses, planes, and trains. Some air pollutants impact local conditions, and others travel upward and then float on air currents until they settle elsewhere. Individually, people can alter their driving habits and become involved politically to maintain or improve the air quality in their town, city, or state.

The U.S. Congress passed the Clean Air Act in 1970, followed by amendments and complementary legislation in the following years and decades. The goal was to lower air pollution by reducing emissions of many common pollutants. Industries and corporations had to meet set standards for their own operations and products. Individual states have their own regulations aimed at curtailing pollution within their borders.

The Foundation for Clean Air Progress estimates that it would take twenty modern cars to produce the same amount of pollution as one car from the 1960s. This improvement, along with reduced air emissions from factories and power plants, is reflected by the decrease in the number of poor-air-quality days in many metropolitan areas.

Indoor air pollution is a concern in many households. From formaldehyde in furniture to dangerous chemicals in fragrances and even hazardous radon in building materials, indoor air quality can't be taken for granted anymore. Some commercial cleaners and pesticides have harmful chemicals that contribute to indoor air pollution as well. Armed with information, people can choose to make changes in the way they live, the way they furnish their houses, and in other activities that potentially impact the air quality they breathe in every day. To help lower indoor air pollution levels, consider the products you use before you buy them and make sure your home is well ventilated.

Sorry my blogger has not been working will try again later.

2011-03-17T18:19:00.000-04:00

New Item

2011-03-09T02:19:00.000-05:00

We have a new item in our Cangles.com store.
We now have a tie dye cuff in the 1 inch and 1/2 inch size. We still use a whole can to
make it but we also use recycled material from the thrift store for the top layer.

Here are two pictures. More of the same coming soon.

Who knew how beautiful pop cans could be!

2011-03-05T09:38:00.000-05:00

Every once in awhile I put more pictures here of our eco friendly jewelry.
As you know they are handmade and we use recycled soda and energy

drink cans.
We have a lot of variety as you can see.

How long things last in the landfills

2011-03-02T00:53:00.001-05:00

Plastic grocery bag = 1,000 years in a landfill
Disposable diaper = 400 years
Aluminum cans = 500 years
Milk Jugs = 500 years
Glass Jar = up to 1 million years
Styrofoam = possibly never- think of your take out containers, your daily java fix

In order to facilitate decomposition in landfills, oxygen is needed to aerate the trash. A simple banana peel can last up to 40 years in a landfill without proper aeration. Recycling in EVERY household can reduce our waste by up to half.

Try it, it just might save the planet.

Make your child's birthday party green

2011-02-26T23:57:00.002-05:00

Here's the dirt: Kids' birthday parties generate a lot of trash. Wrapping paper, disposable plates and cups, paper tablecloths, birthday cards, balloons, favors and other items add up to several bags of garbage. By making more environmentally friendly choices, you can keep the earth green — and save a little green in your wallet.

Invitations

One of the easiest tips for a green party is to use online rather than paper invitations. You'll save on paper and postage, and it's an easy way for other harried parents to reply

Dishes and Table Ware

Some of the biggest sources of waste at children's parties are the plates, napkins, tablecloths, cups and cutlery that get tossed away after one use. Rather than buying paper products, offer reusable, kid-friendly cups and plates.

Decorations

Forget the streamers and balloons that often pop before the party. Instead, use materials you already have on hand to create longer lasting decorations.

PBS parents

Go Green with efficient lighting

2011-02-23T21:30:00.002-05:00

Go Green with Energy Efficient Lighting. Replace conventional light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs for greater energy efficiency and longer life. When buying new lighting, look for energy savings from great looking fluorescent lighting and LED Lights that help pay for themselves with energy savings. Use timers, motion sensors, and occupancy sensors to turn lights off when they're not needed, another great way to go green. Consider replacing outdoor halogen lighting with green lighting like energy efficient HID Flood Lights.

Repurposing Baby Food jars

2011-02-21T00:48:00.001-05:00

If you’re a parent or know a parent of an infant, repurposing baby food jars for storing paint is both attractive and cost-effective. A 4-6 ounce baby food jar is ideal for storing mixed paint, leftover gesso, mediums, or any substance associated with creating artwork in an air-tight container.

♦ Clean jars thoroughly.

♦ Allow jars to completely dry before using.

♦ Mix paint inside jar or transfer from another container or surface.

by project mixed media

Green tip = Get rid of junk mail

2011-02-18T23:56:00.001-05:00

1. At least 100 million trees are destroyed each year to produce junk mail. Of this mail, is thrown away or unopened. The rate of response is less than 2%. With increasing CO2 and global warming, we can't afford to lose those trees to junk mail. Remember: trees clean the CO2 causing global warming.,
2. An estimated $320 million dollars of local taxes are used to dispose of junk mail annually. WOW!
3. An estimated $550 million dollars per year is used in transporting junk mail.
4. The average adult spends 70 hours per year dealing with junk mail. Another estimate indicates that an average person will lose 8 months of their life dealing with junk mail. No wonder why it drives me crazy!
5. $56 billion is spent to produce and distribute junk mail.
6. Recycling is great, but it won't bring back the extinct species.

You can save your sanity and the planet by getting your name off direct mail lists.

We use 100 million trees and 28 billion gallons of water to produce junk mail for just one year.

Green gear for when you are out and about!

2011-02-15T23:01:00.003-05:00

When you leave your house it’s good to be stocked up on all the green gear you’ll need when you’re out and about. Here are some ideas…

Reusable bags – it’s silly to use paper and plastic store bags when you can take your own. A good set of reusable bags for a large family can cost as little as $40 – less if you’re willing to settle. Keep in mind though, the better the bags the longer they last. You’ll have to re-buy less frequently and that means a smaller footprint. I have some recycled cotton reusable bags that are super nice – and didn’t cost much.

Other reusable baggies: Besides reusable grocery bags you can also invest in some reusable produce bags and snack bags for kids on the go. Good options are:

Reusable water bottles: Each family member should have their own reusable water bottle. Water bottles are sort of a long topic though. There are some that are made safer than others, some that can be recycled and some that can’t, and some that leak or don’t. To get an idea about good water bottle choices read the following:

Reusable coffee mug: If you like to stop for coffee or tea, make sure you’ve got at least two reusable coffee mugs in your car. Two is smart because you can switch out as each one needs washed.

Above are the most basic green items you need when you’re on-the-go. Of course if you own a laptop, have a baby, or carry work stuff around you can focus on keeping gear for these activities green too. For example, choose organic cotton laptop bags over conventional and so fourth.

Sierra club

Your water footprint

2011-02-12T00:44:00.000-05:00

How much water you use on a daily, weekly or monthly basis - might be a lot bigger than you think. If you tend to go about your daily activities without considering how much water is literally going down the drain, it's likely that there's room for improvement. The good news is that there are plenty of easy fixes that can help you reduce your water footprint.

1. Use a high-performance front-loading washing machine. They typically use far less water than top-loaders.

2. Limit the amount of time you spend in the shower by setting a timer.

3. With your dishwasher make sure you're washing a full load and using the most efficient setting.

4. If you need to water your lawn, do so early in the morning or at dusk to cut back on evaporation. Consider switching to drip irrigation as an effective and more efficient alternative.

Decorate eco friendly

2011-02-07T18:36:00.000-05:00

Choose to decorate with real sustainablility in mind, using less energy,

less water, and fewer non-renewable resources while still beautifying

your home.

Most people think Green is for the wealthy-no so, green is for everyone.

Consider places like Goodwill and the Salvation Army. For a modern

take on old accessories, pick up shapely items at these stores

and spray paint them white.

Choose home decor that's recycled, reused, will last a long time and

require very little maintenance.

Detroit News

Green Valentine tips

2011-02-03T23:35:00.000-05:00

Skip the cards and recite! Who says you need a card to express your love? Why not begin your Valentine’s day by expressing your love for your guy or girl through reciting your words rather than a wasteful tree eating card? A little shy? Send an ecard or make your own out of used magazines, catalogs, etc.

Don’t go out to dinner. Stay in, buy some fair trade or organic wine or beer, make dinner, and eat by candle light. You will spend less money by eating in, reduce your carbon foot print by not driving around, and you are closer to the bedroom…

Don’t use dishes…This may take some planning, but if you have dinner at home, go without dishes. Use each other as plates and feed each other your food with your fingers. Again some planning should be involved, you should probably stay with finger foods…spaghetti could be difficult…This will make for an entertaining and romantic setting.

You are the greatest gift. Save money and go green by being your man or woman’s gift. Make a list of services you will perform for your man or woman to be used anytime. Maybe a list of 5 romantic ones and 5 helpful ones? Example of a romantic one: Massage with massage oil. Example of a helpful one? Do his/hers laundry. Let him or her know they can be used right away…

Use for mismatched socks - part two

2011-01-30T22:20:00.002-05:00

1. For Toddlers: They make great arm warmers. Cut the toes off and slide them

up their arms and over their mittens. Cover their legs for crawling.

2. Cold: Keep a couple handy to slip ice into when you need an ice pack.

3. Sachet: Place dried herbs such as lavender or rosemary inside a sock.

Tie the sock closed with a ribbon and put it in a drawer or closet.

4. Cleaning: Many people use them for dusting, but you can slip a sock

on a yardstick and secure with a rubber band to clean hard to reach places.

5. Coffee cup sleeve/cosy: Cut the foot and trim to fit a travel mug or takeout

coffee cup. Looks nicer with colored or print socks.

Saginaw News

Use for mismatched socks - part one

2011-01-27T20:29:00.000-05:00

Here are a few practical ways to use them.

1. In the bathroom: Keep soap slivers inside a clean sock and use

as a bath mitt.

2. Money: If you tend to toss loose change on your dresser,

contain it in a spare sock instead.

3. Covers: Place over golf clubs to protect them. Or in the car for

a wet umbrella. Or slide a cut sock onto a seatbelt to prevent

it from irritating your skin.

4. Pet toys: Fill a sock with catnip for a cat, or knot a couple

together and insert a tennis ball to use as a dog toy.

Saginaw News

Go Green in the Winter

2011-01-24T18:30:00.004-05:00

Save energy by making sure that your doors and windows have good seals on them. Leaky windows and doors can be like having an open window in your home, letting cold air in and warm air escape. By getting better seals, you'll also save on your winter heating bills.
Winterize your bike for commutes and errands. Although biking can be a bit trickier in snow, you can often still bike when the weather gets cold. Use wide tires, wear layers and protect your hands and feet. Take care to identify roads that will give you enough room to ride with snow on the sides and know when the weather may be too bad to ride safely.
Wear more layers inside to keep the heat down. Turning the heat down just a few degrees can make a big difference in your energy consumption. Make use of sweaters, slippers and throw blankets to stay warm.
Use non-toxic de-icers on your driveway and other areas. "Rock salt" contains cyanide. Chemical de-icers can also be harmful to pets and wild animals. Instead, throw plain sand down on your driveway for the traction that you need.
Try green activities for the family like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding. You'll get a great workout and you won't have to use electricity or fuel to have fun.

Replace your old light bulbs with fluorescent ones. Winter means fewer hours of sunlight and more time indoors, so use light bulbs that last longer and are more energy efficient.

Recycle and earn!

2011-01-14T22:26:00.004-05:00

Chances are you’ve had an old electronic device, cell phone, video game or DVD at one time or another that you no longer use but weren’t sure what to do with. Did you know you can earn money by recycling them?
Several retailers, including Target, Walmart and Best Buy, have trade-in programs that will give you store gift cards by recycling your electronic devices. Or you can earn points redeemable for gift cards through online programs such as Swag Bucks and RecycleBank. These companies will refurbish the items they receive or dispose of them properly, keeping them out of the landfill.
Each of these programs will give you an estimate of how much you can earn from your item. If you need to mail your item to the company, you will be provided with a pre-paid mailing label that you can print and use to mail your electronic device at no cost to you (besides maybe packaging materials). The final amount you receive will be determined after your product is received and reviewed.
Here are some more details for individual stores/companies:

These ideas were found at:

Pocket Your Dollars, LLC

Valentine's Day will be here before we know it !

2011-01-11T00:29:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day

The most traditional gift on Valentine's Day is a bouquet of flowers. After these flowers dry up, they are usually thrown away and end up in a landfill. A compost bin provides a better location for the flowers to keep them out of the trash. If you are looking for a different gift idea, call a local florist and ask if they have organic flowers or fresh flowers, trees or shrubs that can be replanted in the spring.

For a creative gift, consider tickets to a movie, concert or sporting event. It will provide an opportunity to spend more time with your loved ones and creates less trash. Look for gifts made from recycled materials such as fleece jackets and scarves made from water and soda bottles and kitchen tools and house décor made from recycled plastic and glass. Also consider gift certificates to a spa or a favorite store. When taking a trip to the mall or your favorite shopping store, take some friends and carpool and bring your own shopping bags.

For a homemade gift, make dinner at home and eat by candlelight. Not only is it romantic, but it can save a little electricity with the lights turned off. If considering a favorite restaurant instead, walk if it's a short distance away or take mass transit. For friends and family, bake cookies or make homemade candy and package them in a decorated reusable or recycled container. And when giving greeting cards, purchase those that have high recycled paper content or that can be easily recycled. If the gift giver is feeling very creative, there are plenty of great projects for reuse of kids Valentine's cards either on the internet.